Deke Bellavia

Deke: Sedrick Ellis could come up big in new D scheme

by Deke Bellavia,posted Jul 27 2012 2:45PM

We all have things we want to see the Saints improve on this season. Without question one thing the Saints must improve on is getting heat on the opposing team’s quarterback. And if the Saints are going to do a better job of applying pressure, they need their front four players to turn it up a notch!

When the Saints moved up in the top ten of the 2008 NFL Draft they got one of the best defensive linemen coming out of college in USC’s Sedrick Ellis. Now Sedrick enters his fifth season in the National Football League and perhaps the biggest season of his career.

Ellis is entering the final year of his contract with the Saints, and with a big season Ellis could make big bucks next season. “This is a huge year for Sedrick. This is a money year. Being in the final year of his contract Sedrick needs to have a good season,” said WWL NFL Analyst Mike Detiller.

After the first day of practice, Ellis talked about rebounding this season.

“It wasn’t my best year. It was a combination of things due to that like injury and scheme. Now we have a new scheme and I’m looking forward to the season,” Ellis said. Ellis had a big dropoff in production last season, as he had no quarterback sacks after registering six in 2010. Ellis could greatly benefit from the addition of new Saints Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Ellis has fifty-five tackles last season with twenty-one solo stops. Sedrick is feeling his way out in the Black and Gold Defense’s new scheme but so far so good. “I like the new scheme. It’s a true four man defense. It’s the kind of defense that I use to play in.”

Ellis is speaking of the defense he played in while he starred at USC for the Trojans. Ellis says that daily improvement and getting on the same page with his defensive teammates are the things that he is focused in or right now.

“Constant skill development is what Coach Vitt stresses to us. We are looking forward to getting our pass rush going. We are not going to be blitzing as much so it will give the defensive linemen a chance to showcase their talents,” Ellis says.

NFL Analyst Mike Detiller thinks that Ellis can have a good season. “I think Coach Spagnuolo can help Sedrick out a lot. Coach Spagnuolo knows how to get the best out of his players and I think Sedrick as well as the rest of the Saints Defensive Linemen will benefit from being in this new scheme.”

In four seasons in the National Football League with the New Orleans Saints, Sedrick Ellis has 202 total tackles, including 93 solo stops with 12.5 sacks. The future of Ellis in a Black and Gold Uniform may well be decided this season.

With the addition of fellow Defensive linemen Brodrick Bunkley and Remi Ayodele, among others, Sedrick thinks this season could be a very good one for the Saints defensive front. “I think it’s going to be a world of difference. Coach Spags really let’s his front guys go and I’m excited to have a chance to play in this new scheme.”

I hope you're correct Deke!!!!!
I've been waiting on big Sed (2010 aside) to play up to his potential!
Be cool man.
Philip

07/27/2012 9:57PM

Rod in Sacramento

2009-10 was a year of destiny. 2012-13 will also be a year of destiny. The New Orleans Saints will win the Superbowl in New Orleans. Part of the reason will be a better defense. Coach Spagnola is the best off-season pickup in the NFL. WHO DAT!

07/29/2012 5:07PM

I hope he has a great year

However, I doubt that he is in Black and Gold next season. If he has a great year, maybe he gets a big contract, but the Saints won't have the money to offer him one. He has been payed very well since he has been here with minimal returns. They traded up to get him, and he has not really been the player they thought they were getting.